Zoo adds sanitation station to help keep children safe

Due to the E. coli outbreak that caused kidney disease in several people who had played with animals in petting zoos at three fairs in Florida, a children’s zoo in Cedar Rapids is taking steps to protect children from similar illnessses.
Backers of the zoo at Bever Park say it’s not a petting zoo. But just in case children touch the animals, a hand-sanitizing station has been donated so children and parents can practice good hygiene.
The station, located at a new barn, was donated as part of a 535-thousand project to update the zoo by the Junior League of Cedar Rapids.